Żurrieq, one of Malta’s oldest towns, is a charming blend of history, natural beauty, and culinary delights. Famous for its proximity to the Blue Grotto, this picturesque village has become a hotspot for food lovers looking for budget-friendly yet high-quality restaurants. In 2026, Żurrieq continues to shine as a destination for affordable dining, with establishments offering delicious Mediterranean-inspired dishes and seafood specialties. Whether you’re a local or tourist, this guide to Żurrieq’s dining scene will help you discover great options for eating out without breaking the bank.
Żurrieq’s Dining Scene: A Snapshot
Żurrieq is well-loved for its scenic views and vibrant dining culture. Surrounded by the Mediterranean coastline, seafood dominates menus in many local restaurants, but you’ll also find Italian, Maltese, and European cuisine options. Many eateries here emphasize fresh, local ingredients and provide dishes suitable for health-conscious diners. While prices are generally moderate compared to other parts of Malta, the quality of food remains outstanding, making Żurrieq an ideal spot for budget-friendly dining.
Top 10 Budget-Friendly Restaurants You’ll Love in Żurrieq
1. Il Corsaro
Check out Il Corsaro’s rating in our directory of Maltese Restaurants
Located near Wied iz-Zurrieq, Il Corsaro is a go-to destination for Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Their menu features fresh seafood, hearty pasta dishes, and vegetarian offerings. This restaurant is known for its commitment to quality and flavor, although service can be hit or miss. Health-conscious diners will appreciate grilled options and their focus on lightly seasoned, fresh ingredients.
2. Blue Cave Bar & Restaurant
Check out Blue Cave Bar & Restaurant’s rating in our directory of Maltese Restaurants
Situated near the famous Blue Grotto, this lively spot offers an affordable dining experience with a focus on Mediterranean and seafood dishes. Diners can enjoy fresh catches of the day cooked with minimal oil and vibrant flavors. For a healthy bite, try the grilled squid or mixed vegetable platters, which are crowd favorites.
3. La Cucina Di Bettina By Bologna
Check out La Cucina Di Bettina By Bologna’s rating in our directory of Maltese Restaurants
This authentic Italian eatery located near the Blue Grotto boasts delicious pasta, pizzas, and seafood dishes. Known for its creative twists on traditional Italian recipes, La Cucina Di Bettina crafts meals that balance indulgence and healthy options. Their Mediterranean salads and wood-fired fish dishes are perfect for diners focusing on wholesome eating.
4. Kingfisher Restaurant Malta
Check out Kingfisher Restaurant Malta’s rating in our directory of Maltese Restaurants
Kingfisher Restaurant specializes in fresh Mediterranean seafood with recipes inspired by the region. The menu includes light yet flavorful dishes like grilled sea bass and calamari, as well as vegetarian side options. Located in a cozy setting near the coastline, this spot is excellent for savoring local flavors at budget-friendly prices.
5. Azul Lounge
Check out Azul Lounge’s rating in our directory of Maltese Restaurants
A hidden gem for Mediterranean dining in Żurrieq, Azul Lounge offers simple and healthy meals that focus on locally sourced ingredients. Their fish of the day is a standout option for seafood lovers, while their vegetable antipasti are great for lighter bites. With affordable pricing and a casual atmosphere, this lounge is ideal for families and small groups.
6. Blue Grotto Restaurant
Check out Blue Grotto Restaurant’s rating in our directory of Maltese Restaurants
With stunning views of the Blue Grotto, this eatery serves fresh seafood in a relaxed atmosphere, making it a favorite for both locals and tourists. The prices remain budget-friendly, and dishes like grilled octopus and fish salads are known for their light, healthy preparation methods.
7. ALKA
Check out ALKA’s rating in our directory of Maltese Restaurants
Learn more about ALKA
Located by the waterside, ALKA offers Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on both flavor and presentation. The restaurant provides diners with breathtaking sea views and a curated menu that includes grilled fish, seasonal vegetables, and inventive seafood combos. A great spot for those who value a balance between affordability and quality.
8. Step In
Check out Step In’s rating in our directory of Maltese Restaurants
Step In is known for its welcoming vibe and affordable pricing, though specific information about its menu is limited. However, it remains a popular choice among locals due to its convenient location and cozy ambiance. It’s worth stepping in to discover a delectable meal that won’t dent your budget.
9. Coast @ Cassarini Restaurant
Check out Coast @ Cassarini Restaurant’s rating in our directory of Maltese Restaurants
This seaside venue is known for live music and mesmerizing views of the Mediterranean. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood or something heartier, Coast @ Cassarini offers a mix of traditional Maltese and European dishes. Their grilled options are perfect for light eaters who want to enjoy the essence of Żurrieq without overspending.
10. Café Jubilee
Check out Café Jubilee’s rating in our directory of Maltese Restaurants
Though it isn’t located directly in Żurrieq, Café Jubilee offers a warm, retro ambiance that has earned it a loyal following across Malta. Known for its affordable prices, guests can savor dishes such as homemade ravioli and flavorful soups made with fresh vegetables. Their focus extends to locally sourced ingredients and lighter meal options, making it a great choice for diners exploring wellness-friendly fares.
Verdict: Żurrieq is a foodie’s paradise for budget-friendly eats
Żurrieq continues to be a culinary gem in Malta with its affordable dining options that cater to a diverse crowd. Locals and tourists alike can find great value in this town’s cozy eateries, where the emphasis is on fresh, local ingredients and flavors inspired by the Mediterranean region. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, Italian classics, or Maltese favorites, Żurrieq offers something for everyone. With this guide, you’ll be sure to experience delicious and healthy meals without exceeding your budget.
FAQ on Budget-Friendly Restaurants in Żurrieq, Malta in 2026
1. What are some popular budget-friendly restaurants in Żurrieq?
Żurrieq boasts several acclaimed restaurants, such as Il Corsaro, Blue Cave Bar & Restaurant, and La Cucina Di Bettina By Bologna, each offering a mix of Mediterranean, seafood, and Italian cuisines. Explore Il Corsaro and more
2. Where can I find affordable seafood options in Żurrieq?
Blue Cave Bar & Restaurant and Kingfisher Restaurant Malta are local favorites for fresh seafood dishes that don’t break the bank. Check out Blue Cave Bar & Restaurant
3. Are there restaurants in Żurrieq focused on healthy eating?
Azul Lounge and Blue Grotto Restaurant prioritize lighter meal options with locally sourced ingredients, such as grilled fish and vegetable platters. Learn more about Azul Lounge
4. Where can I find casual dining spots with stunning views?
Blue Grotto Restaurant and Coast @ Cassarini Restaurant are known for their Mediterranean-inspired menus paired with breathtaking seaside views. Discover Coast @ Cassarini Restaurant
5. Is there an authentic Italian restaurant in Żurrieq?
La Cucina Di Bettina By Bologna offers creative Italian dishes, including pasta, wood-fired fish, and Mediterranean salads, perfect for a budget-friendly Italian dining experience. Check out La Cucina Di Bettina By Bologna
6. Which restaurants near Żurrieq are great for tourists exploring the Blue Grotto?
Places like Blue Cave Bar & Restaurant, Il Corsaro, and Blue Grotto Restaurant are located conveniently near the Blue Grotto, blending scenic views with great seafood. Explore the Blue Grotto Restaurant
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8. Are there family-friendly dining options in Żurrieq?
Step In and Azul Lounge are welcoming spots known for their casual, budget-friendly atmosphere, making them ideal for families looking for local cuisine. Find out more about Step In
9. What restaurant offers a mix of traditional Maltese and European dishes?
Coast @ Cassarini Restaurant serves a combination of Maltese and European dishes, including delicious grilled options, complemented by live music and stunning sea views. Explore Coast @ Cassarini
10. Is there a locally renowned café near Żurrieq that’s worth visiting?
Café Jubilee, though not located directly in Żurrieq, is a highly recommended budget-friendly café offering homemade dishes and a unique ambiance appreciated across Malta. Learn about Café Jubilee
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp’s expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the “gamepreneurship” methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic “without any funding and without any code,” this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call “gamepreneurship”. By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
- 1,000 unique business ideas for women created
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique “play to learn and earn” model.
